Speaking to The MA after the company posted its preliminary results yesterday (Tuesday 25 November), Platt said the group plans to convert around 50 sites within its estate to different concepts in 2026.
The Wolverhampton-based pubco converted 31 pubs in FY25, according to the results, with more than £60m capex injected into its estate last year, £8m of which was on site conversions.
Of the 31 sites converted in FY25, 21 were Two Door, five were Grandstand and a further five were transformed into Woodie’s pubs, Marston’s family-led arm.
“[We’ve had] two consecutive years of profit growth, which is quite important, and also we’ve been able to convert that into cash. So we are pleased with the financials.
Test and learn
“Last year was a big test and learning year for our new formats and they’ve gone really well. The results both from a guest reaction and the commercial results have been very strong,” the CEO told The MA.
Platt added Grandstand, its community sports and entertainment-led brand, and Two Door, which focuses on separate drinking and dining experiences under one roof, would play a key role in the strategic investments.
He said: “We’re in a position to accelerate the rollout of those formats from 2026 onwards.
“Our satisfaction scores are at the highest levels they’ve ever been so the combination of commercial delivery and guest satisfaction leaves us feeling good in our outlook.”
The pubco boss added the company was committed to continued investment of around 8% of its revenue in capex: “That allows us to continually invest in in the estate and give guests a great environment.”
Platt further explained around £206,000 is typically invested into each pub conversion, with an average revenue uplift for newly branded sites of around 23%, dependant on format and location.
Improve efficiency
He told The MA the pubco had taken a “data-led approach” when mapping the conversion of existing sites, based on demographics and trading zones around the pubs, to identify where the concepts were best suited.
Capturing seasonal trade will also be a key focus for the newly converted sites going forward, Platt added, as the way customers interact with the on-trade continues to evolve.
Though he stressed making sure its pubs remain at the heart of their communities would continue to be a priority for the company, particularly as it looks to invest in more technology, such as QR codes, to improve efficiency.
Platt continued: “Fundamentally, a pub business is person to person, that interaction is very important to many of our guests but, for some, using technology to enhance that experience can also be very helpful.
“We’re using technology to complement that experience and personalise it in such a way that works for guests needs.”
